CHAPTER V. 



INJURIES FROM MICE, RABBITS, SQUIRRELS, 

 AND BIRDS, WITH PREVENTIVES AND 

 REMEDIES. 



IF the plantation is free of litter, and the adjacent 

 fields contain no harbors of brush, mice and rabbits 

 are rarely annoying to orchards. In hard winters, 

 with deep snow, these animals are more destructive 

 than in open winters. Rabbits often browse off the 

 young growth of nursery stock and small trees. Sheep 

 and hogs rarely girdle trees if they are given sufficient 

 food and water, the latter being especially important. 



To prevent mice from girdling trees in winter. In 



heeling-in young trees in the fall, do not use straw or 

 litter, in which mice can make their nests. In orchards, 

 see that tall grass, corn-husks, or other dry material does 

 not gather about the trees in fall. If danger from mice is 

 apprehended, tramp the first snow firmly about the trees, 

 in order to compact the grass and litter so that mice cannot 

 find shelter. 



Where the paper-birch grows, it will be found a good 

 plan to place sections of birch-bark from limbs or small 

 trunks about the base of the tree. These sections roll up 

 tightly about the tree, and yet expand so readily with the 

 growth of the tree that they may be allowed to remain, 

 although it is advisable to remove them each spring, so 

 that they will not become a harboring-place for insects. 

 Tie thin strips of wood, as laths or shingles, about the 

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